Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro Crawls Forward: Commuter Services Now Pushed to March 2026
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Trial runs to begin in September on 11-km stretch; project delays frustrate IT workers amid worsening traffic chaos.
The much-anticipated Metro Line-3 connecting Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar is now officially off-track in terms of timelines, with authorities confirming that the passenger service launch has been postponed to March 2026, a full year past its original March 2025 deadline. The project, launched as a public-private partnership (PPP), was aimed at easing Pune’s notorious traffic congestion, particularly benefiting thousands of daily commuters from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to the IT hub of Hinjewadi.
While the station facilities are nearing completion, officials from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) have stated that trial runs will finally commence in September 2025 on an 11-kilometre stretch between Hinjewadi and the District Court. Currently, the trial is restricted to the Maan Depot test track, and technical testing of two delivered metro train sets is ongoing.
Authorities attribute the delay to land acquisition hurdles, permitting issues, and tender-related hold-ups. While contractors have submitted requests to extend the deadline, PMRDA Commissioner Yogesh Mhase clarified that any final decision will follow a joint inspection and review. To deter further delays, contractors have been warned of financial penalties.
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Originally launched in 2021, with the first pillar erected in 2022, the 23.3 km line will house 23 stations. Once fully operational, it promises to slash commute times and boost economic activity, especially for the IT workforce burdened by poor road conditions and waterlogging in Hinjewadi.
However, repeated deadline extensions and sluggish progress have left daily commuters disappointed. Residents and tech professionals alike are urging authorities to at least open the Hinjewadi–Baner-Balewadi stretch early, to offer some relief from relentless traffic snarls.
